On March 25, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) hosted its Los Angeles dinner at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVEand honored Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated trans actress Michaela Jae Rodriguez, per a press release.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinsonthe first Black queer woman to lead the organizationsaid, "Tonight is going to be that night that we recommit to this fight for freedom without exception. Tonight is going to be that night where we commit to liberation without exception. Tonight is going to be that night where we commit to joy without exception."
U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi stated (on a personal note), "We are so proud of my niece … who transitioned with pride, dignity, and courage." She added, "Working together, we will continue to fight to ensure that in America freedom rings true for everyone, no matter who you are or who you love… God bless you all and God bless America."
Rodriguez was honored with the 2023 Equality Award, which Brian Michael Smith and Joel Kim Booster presented to her for the contributions she has made for the LGBTQ+ community. In accepting the award, Rodriguez said, "I want to say thank you to the HRC for considering me for this award. It is an incredible privilege to speak on human rights in general and I am truly honored to be speaking to each and every last one of you here today." Rodriguez added, "Love with conditions could possibly be the fall of a nation or humanity, but love without condition … harbors tremendous and groundbreaking power."
Singer Ava Max entertained the crowd, performing several of her hits, including "Million Dollar Baby."
Andrew Davis